Novice debaters place first

The Dodge City High School (DCHS) novice debate squad made a strong showing this past weekend in Garden City, taking first place in their division at the Buffalo Invitational Debate Tournament.

Claiming the novice title were Jared Gumescheimer and Brendan Magouirk, who as a team posted a 5 – 0 mark. Ivan Chavez and Chloe Fischer also came close to receiving top honors but fell to 3 – 2 after entering the final round. This is the novice squad’s third straight tournament in which they have placed first.

Pierre DumontDodge City Daily Globe

The Dodge City High School (DCHS) novice debate squad made a strong showing this past weekend in Garden City, taking first place in their division at the Buffalo Invitational Debate Tournament.
Claiming the novice title were Jared Gumescheimer and Brendan Magouirk, who as a team posted a 5 – 0 mark. Ivan Chavez and Chloe Fischer also came close to receiving top honors but fell to 3 – 2 after entering the final round. This is the novice squad’s third straight tournament in which they have placed first.
“My novices have been very successful in every tournament they’ve gone to,” DCHS debate coach Steve Ray said.
Aside from commending Gumescheimer and Magouirk on their performance, Ray also applauded Chavez and Fischer.
“They did a really good job,” Ray said. “…They’re just a real strong team.”
At DCHS, the novice debate squad is comprised of first year debaters, including mostly freshmen but also sophomores. The varsity squad, which is comprised of more experienced debaters, made a weaker showing over the weekend, failing to place in the top ten.
Garden City hosts the biggest tournament in western Kansas. Over 20 schools competed, including 58 teams and over 80 debaters. Emporia won the Varsity division and Manhattan, Hutchinson and Newton also made appearances.
Despite the Varsity squad not having their best performance over the weekend, Ray said he is pleased with the squad overall and is optimistic about its future.
“The future looks pretty bright for our program,” Ray said. “It’s been a really, really successful year. We’re really happy with the way things have gone.”
On Saturday the Demon debaters will travel to Colby for the Eagle Debate Invitational. The Kansas State Debate Tournament takes place in January.

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